Baptism in Balzan

Perhaps I might be allowed to answer Ronald Cauchi's question with regard to the subject of Limbo in Balzan (June 11). In short, the answer to his question and the implication contained in it is: No, it is not discrimination on the part of the parish priest or Bishop.

However, the fact that the parents (presumably Catholic) clearly decided to ignore their responsibilities and obligations to the Sacrament of Matrimony is in itself the cause of the perceived discrimination - their action of a civil "marriage" has de facto, caused them to excommunicate themselves from the sacraments (except confession) and that is an explanation of the cause, not a judgement.

The Church however is not discriminating against the child, since the child is not being refused the Sacrament of Baptism. That is the short and only answer to his question.

The longer answer would entail explaining Canons 851. 2°, 867 §1, 868. 2° and Canon 872. Within those canons the words "obligations" and "duties inherent" - of, and on the parents of the infant - carry weight, and it is not within the remit of the Church or any priest or bishop to simply ignore Christ's laws just to suit a couple who have themselves chosen to ignore Christ's laws and teachings.

If Mr Cauchi is not happy with this, then I respectfully suggest he take up his complaint up with Christ - after all, they are His laws, stemming from the 10 Commandments, and the Church is no more than the messenger. Therefore, the opportunity sought by his question to "shoot the messenger" does not admit of debate.